The Dot is a casual puzzle game made by Alessandro M. Ferrazza. It is a physics game that makes use of the sensors built in to iOS devices and the Physics box engine that was used to develop the game. In this game, you control a ball that must guide through a level full of obstacles to reach a hole that will lead you towards the next level. Along the way, there are some tools that will help on your quest, though some may not be as easy to use. Will The Dot zip its way to a high score? Read and find out.
Description:
- Price: $1.99
- Developer – Alessandro M. Ferrazza
- Optimzed for iOS 7
Graphics And Visuals:
As far as graphics is concerned, The Dot offers a very simple environment for players to enjoy. Level are designed to be like drawings made on a geometry page that is situated on a frame. The levels are limited in color, only showing in black or white, with the goal sticking out like a sore thumb to help players in identifying where to maneuver in order to get to the next level. It is designed like a warp hole.
There are instances, like that green platform, that is illustrated in different colors to help players differentiate from normal platforms and to indicate that it can be controlled. It a simple design that fits in to the theme of drawings coming to life.
Sounds
As with most casual games, The Dot does not offer much in terms of the sound department except one track the loops all the way. Although the track is very relaxing and is very nice to the ears even in long gaming sessions, so its okay. It must be said though that when I played it with sound effects, I could barely hear it because of the track so it would have been a bit better had the sound effects had been louder or the track be toned down a bit.
Gameplay
The real gem of this game lies in its gameplay. The ways you can manipulate the dot are endless and learning how to control it is a bit of a challenge as well. You can control the dot to jump by tapping the screen and you can also order it to wall climb by going near a wall and rapidly tapping the screen. This allows for a multitude of possibilities after wall climbing, like getting to a higher platform.
The Dot makes use of the sensors for iOS by designing the controls around it. To move the dot, you have to tilt the device to the desired direction of where you want the dot to go to. One of the beauties of this game is that you cannot just tilt randomly to get to the goal, you have to put it just the right amount of tilt in order for you to easily control it.
There are also other tools, like lasers and inks that will help you move some obstacles in a level. As is the case for this game, you really have to time and measure carefully how and where you would move the tools, since just randomly doing stuff ain’t gonna cut it. And the most helpful tool in the game is the directions, make sure you follow these directions and remember what every tool does.
Conclusion
Overall, The dot is a very great game. Although the graphics may seem a little dull, it teaches us that not all games have to look great to be great. The controls are a bit clunky at first but once you get the hang of it, it becomes very enjoyable and challenging enough for you not to get bored. Planning is very much needed in this games as you have to survey the field and prepare a plan of action then execute with precision. The levels are so well thought of that at one glance it may seem like you’ve finished it, but once you navigate through it, you’ll see the little intricate details that was changed and make you appreciate it even more. Highly Recommended!